Jan van Eyck (1390-1441) remains one of the most eminent figures of 15th-century Flemish painting, renowned for his pioneering role in the development of the technique of oil painting and for his significant contributions to the Northern Renaissance art.
Date: From March 20, 2024 to June 17, 2024
Location: Louvre Museum
Desires: Flemish painting, Biography
In order to celebrate the exceptional event of the historic restoration of the painting at the Center for Research and Restoration of the Museums of France, marking the first intervention since its entry into the Louvre in 1800, the museum has decided to devote an exhibition to the masterpiece. work by Jan van Eyck: "Chancellor Rolin in prayer before the Virgin and Child", also known as "The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin". This painting embodies the tensions within Flemish art during the first third of the 15th century, oscillating between medieval tradition and revolutionary experiments. The exhibition will bring together around sixty painted panels, manuscripts, drawings, sculpted bas-reliefs and goldworked objects.
The restoration of Jan van Eyck's painting made it possible to remove the layers of oxidized varnish which darkened the painting, thus offering a spectacular rediscovery of this major work of Western art. The question then arises: why did Van Eyck depict a landscape in the background, so miniaturized that it becomes almost invisible? How does the work interact with the art of illumination and sculpted funerary bas-reliefs? What understanding did 15th century artists have of this work? The exhibition itinerary will be enriched by other works by Van Eyck, as well as Van der Weyden, Robert Campin and the great illuminators of the time.
Who is Jan van Eyck?
Born in Maaseik, in the region that is now Belgium, van Eyck is often considered the founder of the Flemish school of painting. His exceptional artistic talent flourished in a context of cultural and commercial ferment, characterized by the economic prosperity of Flemish cities and the emergence of a wealthy and educated social class.
His career was closely linked to the Burgundian court, where he served as official painter to Duke Philip the Good. This special connection with the court not only shaped his artistic style, but also had considerable influence on the thematic direction of his work. His works were often commissioned to adorn princely residences, celebrating the wealth, power and piety of his patrons.
Van Eyck is famous for his exceptional technical mastery, notably his innovative use of oil paint, which allowed for a wealth of detail, subtle plays of light and unprecedented chromatic intensity. His concern for realism, going as far as meticulousness, has elevated his works to the status of true masterpieces. The emblematic painting "The Mystic Lamb", created in collaboration with his brother Hubert van Eyck, perfectly illustrates this technical and artistic expertise.
In addition to his contribution to painting technique, Jan van Eyck was a meticulous observer of nature, demonstrating close attention to botanical and architectural details in his works. His interest in the precise depiction of textures, reflections and plays of light significantly influenced the subsequent development of the art of painting.
The painting "Chancellor Rolin in prayer before the Virgin and Child", subject of the historical restoration, is one of the remarkable testimonies of the mastery of Jan van Eyck. This work reflects his skill at merging reality and symbolism, while exploring the stylistic and thematic tensions specific to 15th-century Flemish art. The restoration of this precious piece offers a unique opportunity to rediscover and fully appreciate Jan van Eyck's visionary contribution to art history.
Date : Du 20 mars 2024 au 17 juin 2024
Lieu : Musée du Louvre
Envies : Peinture flamande, Biographie
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